Situated in the pristine waters of Parc national de Komodo off the coast of Île de Flores, Manta Point (Karang Makassar) is one of the most awe-inspiring locations in eastern Indonesia for marine wildlife encounters. This world-class snorkeling and diving site offers visitors the rare chance to swim with raies manta majestueuses in their natural habitat — a once-in-a-lifetime experience for ocean lovers and adventurers alike.
Meet the Gentle Giants of the Sea
Manta Point is a long reef stretch — about 3 km wide and between 2 and 8 m deep — where reef manta rays (Mobula Alfredi) gather year-round. These graceful creatures, with wingspans that can reach up to 6 m or more, glide through the water as if flying. They often appear in groups, and it’s not unusual to see several together during a single snorkeling or dive session.
The site is known as a cleaning station — a part of the reef ecosystem where small fish help remove parasites from larger sea animals. Mantas visit these cleaning stations regularly, offering excellent opportunities for close-up encounters and unforgettable underwater photography.
Ready for Snorkeling and Diving
One of the most captivating aspects of Manta Point is how accessible it is for both snorkelers and divers of varying skill levels. The shallow waters make it easy to observe mantas near the surface, while deeper sections allow experienced divers to explore more of the reef and witness the rays in their full ocean environment.
While sightings are common year-round, the best chances to see large groups of mantas are often during periods when plankton blooms occur — typically between December and March — though excellent visibility and calmer seas are often reported during the dry season from April to November.
Pulau Makassar — Tropical Island Paradise
Just beside Manta Point lies Pulau Makassar, a small island that perfectly complements the marine adventure with tropical tranquillity. This picture-perfect island features white and pink sandy beaches, crystal-clear shallow waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. White tropical birds often rest along the shorelines, adding to the idyllic ambience.
After snorkeling or diving with the manta rays, many visitors relax on the sandy beaches of Pulau Makassar, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply soak in the stunning vistas of the surrounding seas.
Tips for Visitors
- Boat Access: Manta Point is usually reached by day-trip boats or liveaboard vessels departing from Labuan Bajo — the main gateway town on Flores Island.
- Guided Tours: It’s highly recommended to go with an experienced guide or dive operator for safety, local expertise, and the best chance of sightings.
- Respect the Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from manta rays and avoid touching or chasing them — they are wild animals and protected species within the national park.
- Bring Gear: If you’re snorkeling, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a mask, fins, and a life jacket if needed. For diving, professional equipment and training are advised.
Why Manta Point Is Worth Visiting
Whether you’re snorkeling at the surface or diving deeper below, Manta Point delivers an extraordinary underwater encounter. The combination of gracieuses raies manta, colourful coral reefs, and the serene backdrop of Pulau Makassar makes this destination one of the highlights of Parc national de Komodo adventures.
For many travelers, swimming alongside mantas is not only a highlight of a Komodo trip but one of the most memorable wildlife experiences anywhere in the world.
Vivez l'aventure d'une vie ! Réservez dès maintenant votre forfait pour le parc national de Komodo sur komodopadartour.com
English 
Arabic 
Chinese 
French 
German 
Italian 
Korean 
Russian 
Spanish 
Indonesian